ANNUAL REPORT

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20 BUILDING A STRONGER SOUTH PLAINS WORKFORCE 18 1 WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS SOUTH PLAINS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

OUR MISSION

The mission of the South Plains workforce system is to meet the needs of the region’s employers for a highly skilled workforce by educating and preparing workers.

OUR VISION

Our workforce is educated, innovative, and highly skilled in areas that match the skill requirements of our employers, enabling businesses to become highly productive and compete successfully in local and global markets.

2 A Letter to Our Communities:

Workforce Solutions South Plains thanks each citizen of With our Child Care Services program receiving 70% of our 15-county area for their support of our programs! our funding, we are pleased that an average of 2,038 children, ages 0 to 12, received child care daily from one The prosperity of any community depends on of our 145 childcare providers. the strength of its workforce. With an average unemployment rate of 3.4% in the South Plains, we are The annual Hiring Red, White and You Veterans Job grateful that so many of our citizens have jobs. It is our Fair for military veterans and their spouses was held goal to help current employees, who are looking for new in November 2018 and 590 veterans received services careers, and employers, who need additional employees, through our career center last year. become as successful as possible. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our In 2018 we served 8,570 job seekers in their search for partners for their continued support including; LEDA, the employment and career transitions and we assisted 2,536 Lubbock Chamber of Commerce (as well as each rural employers in skills upgrade training. chamber of commerce), Texas Tech University, South Plains College, the 49 Independent School Districts across Workforce Solutions South Plains (WSSP) and the Lubbock the South Plains, and other agencies who help us fulfill Economic Development Alliance granted $593,287 to 14 our mission. schools districts in the South Plains to support Career and Technical Education programs. Our Chief Elected Officials and Board of Directors have contributed their guidance and counsel and we are Providing an opportunity for youth to experience career grateful for their support and encouragement. opportunities is vital today. Through our Careers in Texas Industries program, held in September 2018, more than We look forward to next year as we continue helping 1,000 8th graders attended one of four rural career fairs build stronger communities in our region! in Plainview, Muleshoe, Levelland or Crosbyton. Sincerely, During the 17th Annual South Plains Career Expo in Adrienne Cozart October 2018, 3,300+ high school students visited with Martin Aguirre 108 exhibitors to learn more about preparing for life after high school.

Adrienne Cozart, (left) Board Chair, University Medical Center Human Resources, Martin Aguirre, Chief Executive Officer. AWARDS WINNING EMPLOYERS

During the 17th Annual Employer of Excellence Awards Luncheon, held on July 18, 2018, WSSP recognized, honored and thanked the exceptional businesses and organizations pictured below.

It is always a special day when Workforce Solutions South Plains (WSSP) gathers with constituents, service providers, businesses and organizations to recognize award recipients. However, choosing a few of these groups as award winners is not an easy task when so many provide exemplary commitment, hard work and dedication to their employees and customers. This year seven companies stood out as “over the top” providers of services in each of our award categories.

During the 2018 awards luncheon Workforce Solutions South Plains presented its first$1,000.00 student scholarship to Marilena Mendez from Lorenzo, Texas. Mendez attended South Plains College in the Fall 2018 and used her scholarship towards an Associate’s Degree in Education.

Employer of Excellence & Small Employer of the Year

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas

Robin Raney, Goodwill Industries Chief Executive Officer, Adrienne Cozart, WSSP Board Chair, and Will Baker, Goodwill Board Member

Large Employer of the Year

The United Family Lubbock, Texas

Chris James, The United Family Chief Operating Officer, Adrienne Cozart and Robert Taylor, The United Family Chief Executive Officer

4 Industry Sector Outreach Exemplary Child Care Provider Covenant Health Lil’ Tiger’s Playhouse, Slaton, Texas

Martin Aguirre, Jennifer Tollett, Covenant Health Martin Aguirre, Estella Wagner, Lil’ Tiger’s Playhouse Manager, Food and Nutrition and Covenant Health, Owner, Rebecca Botello Linda Barrientos, Lead Sr. Recruiter Talent Acquisition and Lillie Meurer staff members

Service to Business Service to Workers Guar Resources, LLC, Levelland, Texas MET, Inc. Plainview, Texas

Alex Muraviyov, Guar Resources General Manager Micaela Rodriguez, MET, Inc. Client Service and Adrienne Cozart Representative, Adrienne Cozart and Rachel Salazar, MET, Inc., Regional Specialist Manager Service to Community $1000 College Scholarship Walgreens – Lubbock, Texas Marilena Mendez

Martin Aguirre, and Walgreens store managers Tanya Martin Aguirre, Marilena Mendez and Easterwood and Felipe Mora Adrienne Cozart 5 TRAINING JOB SEEKERS Workforce Solutions South Plains, in addition to one-on-one counseling for those seeking jobs, held a number of job fairs throughout the year. The goal is to equip job seekers for future workforce success by providing services that help them to enter the workforce and to successfully make career transitions. This year, Workforce Solutions provided services to 10,985 job seekers of which 8,570 were employed.

This year, training was provided to 127 individuals who enhanced their skills, improved their employment outlook, met the challenges of technological change and earned a higher wage, once employed.

The South Plains Job Fair held in the Fall of 2018 saw more than 75 businesses and organizations eager to hire job seekers in the WSSP fifteen county area including representatives from Oil States Energy Services from Midland, Texas.

10,985 Job Seekers 8,570 Employed 127 Individuals who enhanced their skills

EFFECTIVE EMPLOYER SERVICES Workforce Solutions South Plains offers an array of services to help employers save money, improve productivity and provide a competitive edge. We collaborate with industry, education, economic development and provide Labor Market Information to develop a comprehensive regional workforce strategic plan. The plan includes the development of a trainable workforce which provides educational training opportunities for adults and youth. This year, WSSP provided services to 2,436 employers to help find, retain and train a quality workforce. Additional employer services were provided that included: • Rapid Response services for 6 employers to assist 145 affected workers transition into the future • Testing proctor for 472 typing tests for job candidates for employers 32 • Hosting 32 customized job fairs and hiring events that connected customized job employers to job seekers fairs and hiring events

6 CAREERS IN TEXAS INDUSTRIES

With the thought that, “It’s never too early to plan for “Coach D” of Darrell Andrews Enterprises was the a career or determine an occupation for the future” featured speaker at these events. Coach D is a Workforce Solutions South Plains hosted career premier provider of professional development and exploration events specifically targeting 8th grade strategic motivation for workforce development students in the 15-county area. organizations, school/school districts and businesses worldwide. The students’ response to his message of The goal was to promote statewide and regional planning now for their future was amazing! industry clusters through employer partnerships. WSSP hosted 4 rural career fairs during the month A total of 23 schools, 88 exhibitors/employer of September 2018 in Plainview, Muleshoe, Levelland, partners, and 1,076 students participated in the and Crosbyton. events.

Health care is one of the largest Thanks to Hurst Supply for bringing industries in the South Plains and a tractor to the career fair for all students were exposed to that students to experience. industry at the career fair.

Employers greeted students with firm AeroCare, the South Plains area air 8th graders from across the South handshakes, eye-to-eye contact and big ambulance, was on hand to explain Plains enjoyed a day of career smiles at the career fairs. their career to the students. exploration and investigation.

The Muleshoe Fire Department brought their bright and shiny fire Coach D had a fabulous message of “be the person you want to be not the one trucks to the career fair for students to that others want you to be.” experience first hand. 7 SOUTH PLAINS CAREER EXPO

The 18th Annual South Plains Career Expo was held the morning of Tuesday, October 23, 2018 and is the largest event of its kind in West Texas for students.

2018 Annual Report More than 3,300 high school juniors and seniors from 81 schools in the 15-county service area attended this event and explored potential career opportunities that match their interests and strengths at the 108 featured exhibitor booths. The event was hosted by: • Workforce Solutions South Plains (Careers in Texas Industries, Inc.) • South Plains College • Lubbock Economic Development A student watches EMT’s Alliance demonstrate how lungs • Lubbock Chamber of Commerce function with a real pig lung. • South Plains Closing the Gap P-20 Council (Texas Tech University) • Lubbock Independent School District Career and Technical Education Program.

The annual Career Expo brings together industry, education, and community to prepare high school students for college and career success.

Panel Discussions New this year was the addition of a Panel Discussion format for students. Eight professionals, from as many industry clusters, answered questions from students about careers and Texas Game Wardens were visited by many students interested in Law, Public Safety and Security careers. education after high school.

Comments from the exhibitors included the following: “The best part of the expo is getting to visit with students who are really interested in their future.”

“I loved seeing such a diverse group of students. Some of them wanted to go to college, some did not and some wanted to go straight to work.” Students questions “Are there good paying jobs available for students that just graduated from high school?”

“What are the most important skills that employers are looking for?”

8 Workforce Solutions South Plains 2018 Annual Report THE SOUTH PLAINS TEXAS INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP PROJECT Workforce Solutions South Plains, through a partnership with Lubbock Independent School District, The CH Foundation, and the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, received a $100,000 Texas Industry Partnership grant to expand the capacity of career and technical education programs at LISD’s Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center. This grant funded equipment for the facility’s newly expanded health lab that gives LISD high school students the opportunity for hands-on skills practice needed to pass the industry certifications in Certified Patient Care Tech, Emergency Medical Basic and Certified Nursing Assistant. Because of this funding an estimated 155 students will train for these occupations in the A Lubbock ISD student practices drawing blood Biotechnology and Health Sciences career cluster in the on a new responsive mannequin with a SIM pad. 2018-2019 academic year. THE SOUTH PLAINS HIGH DEMAND JOB TRAINING PROJECT Workforce Solutions South Plains and the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance granted $493,287 to 14 schools districts in the South Plains to support Career and Technical Education programs. Since 2015 the South Plains High Demand Job Training Project, made possible through grants from the Texas Workforce Commission and the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, has supplied 41 CTE programs in 15 South Plains’ school districts with $991,287 in equipment and supplies. Through these grants more than 2,000 high school students have trained for high demand occupations, earning college credits and industry certifications. This investment positively impacts not only the future successes of our region’s youth, but also our local economy.

South Plains High Demand Job Training BAILEY LAMB HALE FLOYD MOTLEY COTTLE Grants

CROSBY LUBBOCK DICKENS KING COCHRAN HOCKLEY

LYNN GARZA YOAKUM TERRY

Workforce Solutions South Plains 9 SUMMER EARN AND LEARN (S.E.A.L)

Workforce Solutions South Plains conducted the 2nd annual Summer Earn and Learn project which is a statewide initiative with Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services.

The SEAL project included employability skills training and a 5-week paid work experience opportunity for students with disabilities during the 23 summer months. SEAL participants not only earned money, but also gained Local employers participated valuable work experience and developed work readiness skills to better prepare them for successful transition to postsecondary education and employment. Typically, the students worked an average of 25 hours per week at $8 per hour with varied days, shifts, and hours.

Prior to placement all students were required to attend and participate in a 4- hour Job Readiness Workshop consisting of workplace basics, professional conduct, employer expectations, communication and 61 teamwork, decision-making and problem solving, and networking with VR students participated peers. STUDENT HIREABILITY

High school graduation is considered a rite “The South Plains region is home to an amazing group of passage into adult life. However, students of professionals and advocates who recognize the value with disabilities must begin planning for this these young people have and what they can contribute step long before their senior year. to our communities if allowed the opportunity,” said Diana Gatlin, Navigator. “After almost a year of They must: resource building, we are poised to do great things for • understand their disability students with disabilities.” • learn to advocate for themselves • explore inclusion in their communities • prepare to participate in educational opportunities such as college or technical training.

All of these elements will help them to achieve an appropriate level of independence in their adult life.

This can be an intimidating and lengthy process, but that is why, under the direction of Workforce Development Boards, Student HireAbility Navigators were hired throughout the state of Texas. The Navigators are prepared to serve as Lubbock area students recently participated in a Job Shadow resources to support, expand and enhance Day, mock job interviews and a style show which was pre-employment transition efforts to designed to help the students feel more comfortable when ensure the success of every student with a seeking employment. disability.

10 DEPENDABLE QUALITY CHILD CARE

Workforce Solutions South Plains Child Care Services (CCS) recognizes that dependable quality child care is a critical need for working parents and that for many it can mean the difference between holding a job or losing one. Therefore, choosing a quality child care provider is one of the most important decisions parents make. Parents striving to become self-sufficient must have access to dependable quality child care.

The Texas Rising Star (TRS) program is a quality rating and improvement system for Texas early childhood programs. Child care providers that participate in TRS meet higher quality standards than many other child care programs.

The main goals of Workforce Solutions South Plains CCS program are:

• To offer eligible families an expanded choice of accessible quality child care providers • To support the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of children • To assist child care providers with attaining, increasing, and maintaining a Texas Rising Star status 2,038 305 Average # of Children Betty Anderson Served Per Day Resource Room Visits

145 CHILD 236 Average # of Childcare FROG Bus Provider Providers CARE Visits PROVIDER DATA 17 July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018 New Childcare 7,185 Clients Seen In Office Providers 16 Average # of Texas 99% Rising Star Providers Satisfaction Rate

11 RED, & YOU

Workforce Solutions South Plains is committed to those who are dedicated to service to our country. Armed Forces veterans and their spouse are afforded priority services in the career centers. WSSP is honored to provide services such as career counseling, short-term training and on-the-job training. While in training, services like transportation, housing, childcare, 590 job search or relocation assistance are provided. The number of veterans and In November 2018, while celebrating their spouses Veteran’s Day, 60 businesses and that received organizations participated as WSSP services from the career exhibitors in the annual Hiring Red, center During the Hiring Red, White and You Job Fair, White & You! Job Fair. The job fair several veterans registered for classes at South was held in partnership with the Plains College. Texas Workforce Commission. CENTER RELOCATION

The Workforce Solutions South Plains Lubbock office was relocated to the Wayland Plaza at 2002 West Loop 289, Suite 117 on July 2, 2018. The new office provides access to: • Workforce Solutions Employment, Youth and Childcare Programs and Services,

• Texas Veterans Commission Services and Job Corp Services, and

• Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Programs and Services.

The move to the new location was required after the Texas Legislature merged the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and the Texas Commission for the Blind Services into the Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWC-VR).

A grand opening for the relocation of the Workforce Solutions South Plains Career Center was held July 11, 2018 with a ribbon cutting by retired TWC Commissioner Andres Alcantar (pink tie) with Chief Executive Officer Martin Aguirre to his right and Workforce Solutions South Plains Board Chair, Adrienne Cozart to his left.

12 HIGH GROWTH OCCUPATIONS FOR THE SOUTH PLAINS

JOB SALARY RANGE TARGET OCCUPATION JOB TITLE GROWTH (Hourly Wage) REQUIRED EDUCATION RATE (HIGH) EXPERIENCED HIGH (EXPERIENCED)

Information Security Analysts 43.7% $77,700 Bachelor’s degree Information Security Analysts

Software Developers 34.6% $85,600 Bachelor’s degree

Medical Assistants 26.5% $31,500 Postsecondary award

Dental Assistants 25.4% $37,100 Postsecondary award

Respiratory Therapists 21.2% $56,000 Associate’s degree

Heating, AC, & Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers 20.3% $53,100 Postsecondary award

Pharmacy Technicians 18.4% $35,600 High school diploma

Plumbers, Pipefitters, & 18.3% $50,200 High school diploma Steamfitters

Licensed Practical & Licensed 16.7% $48,000 Postsecondary award Vocational Nurses

Farm Equipment Mechanics & 16.2% $51,400 High school diploma Service Technicians

13 July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 PROGRAM EXPENDITURE PROGRAM INITIATIVES

AVERAGE NUMBER OF 70% $11,218,609.78 CHILDREN SERVED EACH DAY CHILD CARE 2,030

10% $1,611,461.68 CUSTOMERS SERVED CHOICES TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO 10,985 NEEDY FAMILIES EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM 5% $738,150.24 JOB SEEKERS WORKFORCE INNOVATION OPPORTUNITY ACT – DISLOCATED WORKERS 8,570

4% $706,812.83 CUSTOMERS TRAINED WORKFORCE INNOVATION OPPORTUNITY ACT – YOUTH 127

4% $654,257.79 VETERANS SERVED OTHER 590 4% $569,700.31 UI CLAIMANTS SERVED WORKFORCE INNOVATION OPPORTUNITY ACT – ADULT 3,843 2% $256,170.79 SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE EMPLOYERS SERVED PROGRAM EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING 2,436 1% $150,523.60 TRADE ACT WORKFORCE INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY ACT ADULT/DISLOCATED WORKERS SERVED 1% $115,621.49 173 NATIONAL EMERGENCY GRANT YOUTH SERVED Total - $16,021,308.51 44

14 Board of Directors

Standing Left to Right, Mark McCormick, Martin Aguirre, Denver Bruner, Judge Sherri Harrison, Willis McCutcheon, Chris Carpenter, Eddie McBride, Tom Vermillion, Adrienne Cozart, Jeff Baum, Jeff Malpiede, Rob Blair, Chris Chambers, Kenneth Hill, Gilbert Salazar, Chuck Smith, Wes Anderson Seated Left to Right, Julie Laughlin, Beth Miller, Angela Evins, Kimberly Harrel, Adele Youngren, Dela Esqueda, Sharla Wells

ADRIENNE COZART, CHAIR CHRIS CARPENTER MARK MCCORMICK LEONARD VALDERAZ Lubbock County Lubbock County Crosby County Lubbock County UMC Health System Armstrong Mechanical Agriculture Precision Supply StarCare Specialty Health CHUCK SMITH, VICE-CHAIR CHRIS CHAMBERS WILLIS MCCUTCHEON System Bailey County Lubbock County Hale County TOM VERMILLION Bailey County Electric Chambers Engineering Happy State Bank Lubbock County Cooperative KANDACE DECKER BETH MILLER Lubbock Boys and Girls Club JEFF MALPIEDE, SECRETARY Lubbock County Lubbock County GABE VITELA Lubbock County Vocational Rehabilitative Health & Human Services Lubbock County South Plains Rural Health Services Comm. One Guy from Italy Family Services DELA ESQUEDA JOHN OSBORNE Restaurant KENNETH HILL, PAST CHAIR Lubbock County Lubbock County DR. KYLE WARGO Cochran County Guadalupe Parkway Lubbock Economic Development Lubbock County City Bank, Morton Neighborhood Center Alliance Region XVII Service Center WES ANDERSON ANGELA EVINS ESTHER PENA SHARLA WELLS Floyd County Lamb County Lubbock County Garza County Ace Hardware Lowe’s Pay & Save Amerigroup Child Welfare Board of Garza JEFF BAUM KIMBERLY HARREL BARRY PITTMAN County Lubbock County Yoakum County Lynn County ADELE YOUNGREN Lubbock Independent School Newtex Mortgage Company Lyntegar Electric Lubbock County District JULIE LAUGHLIN DAVID QUINTANILLA Texas Workforce Commission ROB BLAIR Lubbock County Lubbock County Hockley County Literacy Lubbock Plains Capital Bank South Plains College EDDIE MCBRIDE GILBERT SALAZAR DENVER BRUNER Lubbock County Lubbock County Hockley County Lubbock Chamber Lubbock Central Labor Council Sodexo CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIALS – COUNTY JUDGES

Bailey County, Judge Sherri Harrison; Cochran County, Judge Pat Henry; Crosby County, Judge Rusty Forbes; Dickens County, Judge Kevin Brendle; Floyd County, Judge Marty Lucke; Garza County, Judge Lee Norman; Hale County, Judge David B. Mull; Hockley County, Judge Sharla Baldridge; King County, Judge Duane Daniel; Lamb County, Judge Mike DeLoach; Lubbock County, Judge Curtis Parrish; Lynn County, Judge Mike Braddock; Motley County, Judge Jim Meador; Terry County, Judge Jackie D. Wagner; Yoakum County, Judge Jim Barron; City of Lubbock, Mayor Dan Pope Workforce Solutions South Plains Board Administration 1301 Broadway, Ste. 201 | Lubbock, TX 79401 806 - 744 -1987 (New Location - January 2020)

LUBBOCK 2002 West Loop 289 Ste. #117 (Inside Wayland Plaza) MULESHOE Lubbock, Texas 79407 203 Main Street Phone: 806-765-5038 Muleshoe, TX 79347 Toll Free: 1-866-747-7638 Phone: 806-272-7540 Toll Free: 1-866-765-5038 LUBBOCK - CHILD CARE SERVICES 2002 West Loop 289 Ste. #117 BROWNFIELD (Inside Wayland Plaza) 1321 B Tahoka Road Lubbock, Texas 79407 Brownfield, TX 79316 Phone: 806-744-3572 Phone: 806-637-1223 Toll Free: 1-800 658-6284 PLAINVIEW LEVELLAND 400 South Garland 1102 Austin Street Plainview, TX 79072 Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: 806-293-8566 Phone: 806-894-5005

workforcesolutionssouthplains.org

Workforce Solutions South Plains is an equal opportunity employer/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Relay Texas: 711 (voice); 800 - 735 -2989 (TDD); or Relay Texas Spanish 800 - 662 - 4954